We made it – left home at 6:30 on Saturday morning (April 12 in Canada) and arrived at Los Angeles Airport at 4:00 p.m. – then we got to wait in a tiny portion of the terminal with very little to see or do. We walked and people watched and walked some more but finally it was time to board the plane to Sydney.

What an awesome experience – they provided all kinds of little extras – and yes, I did get my special fruit plate meals (and they were scrumptious – lots of melon and fresh pineapples and grapes.) John had a salmon dinner with baby potatoes and snow peas and raisin bran for breakfast. Worked out well for both of us.

After dinner was served, about 2 hours into the flight, the lights were turned out so that we could try to get some sleep. We kind of napped but actual sleeping was a little difficult. Too many people moving around but we did rest. The flight attendants gave everyone a “snack bag” so that when we woke up, we could have bottled water, dried fruit, M & M’s *g*, and a cookie. There was also a courtesy bag which contained an eye mask, some socks, and a Qantas lanyard.

We got into Sydney Airport a little early (about 6 a.m.) – even though we had to veer off the flight path a little because of a spectacular lightning storm near the Brisbane area.

Immigration and Customs weren’t too bad – they were a little concerned about the new tripod – a Gorrillapod for those of you who don’t know. When they saw it, they were impressed by it though.

We caught a shuttle bus to the condo – John kept saying that he hoped it would make it as far as our drop off point as the u-joint was making some very loud noises. We were the second stop, and when we got to the reception desk, they actually had a room ready for us – what a beautiful start to the day. John had a nap and a shower and I just showered – it felt wonderful to finally change clothes *lol*

Something we haven’t seen before – to work the lights in the apartment, you need to leave your key card (the one that opens the door and works the elevator) in a slot. Certainly reminds you not to waste electricity *s*

There is internet access in the room but it’s not exactly cheap. Oh well, it’s the lifeline home, right? I’m going to pay it here for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday but maybe not everywhere. When we have a car, we’ll be able to find internet cafes or wireless (fingers crossed) a little easier.

Well, that’s not much of a post but we’re ready to go out and walkabout. Here are a few photos of the condo: